A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cambridge vs. Prague for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cambridge or Prague?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cambridge and Prague. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a scholarly, charming, and historic university town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Prague

Prague is a historical, beautiful, and festive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.

Cambridge and Prague: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Cambridge or Prague?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Prague than Cambridge. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Prague is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cambridge attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Prague is more touristy than Cambridge and is popular for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. It is also well known for The Prague Castle. Cambridge is famous for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it.

How is Cambridge different from Prague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Prague and Cambridge. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cambridge or Prague?

Cambridge
Prague

Prague is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Prague from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the National Museum.

Cambridge offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.


Is the Food Better in Cambridge or Prague? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cambridge
Prague

Cambridge is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.

Is Cambridge or Prague Better for Nightlife?

Cambridge
Prague

Prague is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Prague is a world class party destination. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.

Cambridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Is Cambridge or Prague Better for Music?

Cambridge
Prague

Prague is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Cambridge is not a live music destination.

Prague is known as a music capital around the world. The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well.

Cambridge is not a live music destination.


Is Cambridge or Prague Better for its Old Town?

Cambridge
Prague

Prague is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Prague can be explored in its historical center. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world.

Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cambridge or Prague?

Cambridge
Prague

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Cambridge and Prague.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Prague is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy.

Is Cambridge or Prague Better for Families?

Cambridge
Prague

Prague is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Prague is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cambridge. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.


Is Cambridge or Prague Better for Couples?

Cambridge
Prague

Prague is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Prague is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.

Couples visit Cambridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Is Cambridge or Prague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cambridge
Prague

Prague is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Prague. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Is Cambridge or Prague Better for Students?

Cambridge
Prague

Both Cambridge and Prague are terrific destinations for students.

Cambridge is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Many students frequent Prague. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.


Is Cambridge or Prague Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cambridge
Prague

Prague is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Prague has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.

You'll find some public transit in Cambridge, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

Is Cambridge or Prague a more walkable city?

Cambridge
Prague

Cambridge and Prague are terrific when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cambridge. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

Getting around Prague on foot is easy. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

For even more information, also check out Is Cambridge Worth Visiting? and Is Prague Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Prague or Cambridge?

How long in Cambridge or Prague?

Both Cambridge and Prague have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Prague than in Cambridge. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cambridge, and 2-7 days is enough time in Prague.

Families should spend more time in Prague than Cambridge. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Prague, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Prague than Cambridge. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Prague that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Prague than Cambridge if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Prague.


  • How many days in Cambridge or Prague? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cambridge 1-2 
    Prague 2-7

One day in Cambridge or Prague?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cambridge. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

People visit Prague because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Cambridge or Prague?

Cambridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

People visit Prague because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cambridge or Prague?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cambridge. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

People visit Prague because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Cambridge or Prague?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Cambridge. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Prague is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Prague, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Prague or Cambridge?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cambridge is £134, while the average daily cost in Prague is £88. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cambridge and Prague in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cambridge £72
    Prague £54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cambridge £144
    Prague £108
Compare Hotels in Cambridge and Prague

Looking for a hotel in Cambridge or Prague? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cambridge


Hotels in Prague


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cambridge Hotel Prices and Prague Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cambridge £24
    Prague £6.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cambridge

Also for Cambridge, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Heathrow To Cambridge: $175

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Prague

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Prague:

  • Transfer from Prague to Salzburg with Tour Stop in Cesky Krumlov: $291
  • Transfer from Prague to Munich: Private with a 2 Hour Stop: $267
  • Transfer from Prague to Karlovy Vary: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing : $128
  • Transfer from Prague to Dresden: Private daytrip with 2 hours for sightseeing: $191
  • Transfer from Prague to Cesky Krumlov: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $138
  • Transfer from Prague Hotel to Airport Prague: $58
  • Terezin Tour Including Admission Ticket and Transfer & Audio: $64
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Prague Hotel to Prague Airport: $25
  • Scenic Private Transfer from Prague to Vienna or Vienna to Prague: $256
  • Private transfer from Prague to Munich: $695
  • Private transfer from Prague to Krakow: $1,059
  • Private transfer from Prague to Frankfurt am Main: $1,059

Is it cheaper to fly into Cambridge or Prague?

Prices for flights to both Prague and Cambridge change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cambridge £41
    Prague £21

Typical Food Prices in Prague

Some typical examples of dining costs in Prague are as follows:


  • Fruit
    £3.41
  • Lunch for One
    £10
  • Bananas
    £0.48
  • Cookies
    £0.27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Prague

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Prague.

  • Anti Tour Prague - Self Guided Beer and Food Tour: $21
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $40
  • Prague by Night: 2-Hour Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $47
  • Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $52
  • Vltava River Evening Dinner Cruise: $53
  • Folkloric Dinner Show with Unlimited Drinks: $57
  • 2-Hour Dinner Cruise with Transfers: $57
  • River Cruise with Dinner and Live Music: $58
  • Folklore dinner: $58
  • Medieval Dinner with Unlimited Drinks: $59
  • Prague 5 Courses Medieval Dinner and Live Performances: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cambridge £22
    Prague £13

Tours and Activities in Cambridge

For Cambridge, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.35
  • Self-Guided Colleges Walking Tour and Sightseeing: $5.99
  • Hidden Histories Self-Guided Smartphone Tour: $5.99
  • Cambridge’s Colleges and Classic Sights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cambridge Instagram Self-Guided Tour - Top Photo Spots: $6.35
  • Explore Cambridge's Grandeur: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Live Like a Student with Private Cambridge Self Guided Tours: $13
  • Explore Cambridge Student Life & Top Colleges Walking Tour: $13
  • Cambridge - Shared Punting Tour: $13
  • Shared Guided Punting Tour of Cambridge: $13
  • University Walking Tour: $15

Typical Entertainment Prices in Prague

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Prague are as follows:


  • Opera Tickets
    £3.41
  • Two Tickets for Charles Bridge Tower
    £4.78
  • Image Theatre for Two
    £33

Tours and Activities in Prague

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Prague are as follows:

  • City Tour with Prague Castle with Live guide: $44
  • Live Virtual Tour of Prague: $58
  • Private live-guided E-Scooter TOURS around Prague : $44
  • 1 hour Prague Panoramic Vltava River sightseeing Cruise: $17
  • 1–Hour Vintage Car Tour: $128
  • 1,5 hour oldtimer convertible Prague sightseeing tour: $164
  • 1,5-Hour Prague Magical Segway Tour: $68
  • 1-Hour Introductory Tour of Prague Castle With Fast-GET Admission Ticket: $43
  • 1.5 Hour SEGWAY Tour of Prague: $63
  • 1000 years of history! Evening walking foodie tour: $145
  • 2 Countries Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland tour from Prague: $169
  • 2 Hours Guided Prague Behind The Iron Curtain Communism Tour: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cambridge £23
    Prague £8.92

Typical Alcohol Prices in Prague

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Prague from other travelers:


  • A Bottle of Wine
    £5.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Prague

Also in Prague, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Staropramem Brewery Self-Guided Tour with Tasting: $13
  • Clock Tower Bar Crawl with Drinks and Shots: $23
  • Clock Tower Bar Crawl in Prague: $26
  • 1 Hour Exclusive Moravian Wine Tasting in an Art Gallery : $28
  • Pub Crawl in Prague: $32
  • Pub Crawl and International Party: $34
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Entry: $34
  • Pub Crawl with 2-Hour Open Bar at Drunken Monkey: $35
  • Drunken Monkey Pub Crawl: $36
  • Golden Burlesque Show & Live Music w/ Lady & The Devil: $36
  • Golden BURLESQUE: $42
  • Prague beer tour with brewery visit and tasting: $46


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cambridge and Prague, we can see that Cambridge is more expensive. And not only is Prague much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Prague would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Prague and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cambridge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cambridge than you might in Prague.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cambridge Expensive? and Is Prague Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cambridge or Prague?

Prague has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cambridge. When comparing the sizes of Cambridge and Prague, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.